Acknowledgements

The following responses are a selection from recent recipients of the John Forrest Award.This has been one of the most useful courses I have been on. There was not a single point at which I wanted to be anywhere else.SHWe have been worked hard, but we have spent our time wisely for three days, and the skills we have learnt will stand in good stead for the future. I would recommend the course to anyone.JFVery rewarding to see myself and others improve. The arrangements were first class.GCI found all the tasks useful, even those I thought I had experience in. I improved in radio interviews, TV interviews, presentations, grant applications and chairing discussions, to name a few.PWThere is almost too much packed into the course, it could easily have been a day longer.CBGreat short course. Adrenaline has been pumping throughout, it has been hard work but rewarding and inspiring.TBI feel I have improved in communicating under pressure and have learnt to present in an effective way to maintain the engagement of my audience. This was a really great experience and has opened my eyes to many opportunities. I have never been to a course which at some point hasn’t become tedious, until now!SAI have grown in confidence and learnt how to present myself in front of the camera. Susie was fantastic, good at explaining things and puts tasks across so they seem less scary than they really are.JMI would like to thank the Felix Cobbold Trust and the John Forrest Award for giving me the opportunity to attend the communications course run by Green Shoots Productions. I have gained much from the experience, I have more confidence in tackling communications tasks, an appreciation of how to work in a professional manner with the media and to, hopefully, be a good ambassador to agriculture in Great Britain.AS

I am writing to thank you and ask that you pass on my thanks to the trustees for their ongoing support of the communications course I attended last week. I approached the course with some trepidation as many items featured on the itinerary were outside my comfort zone. However, with the excellent tutoring from Susie and her team we soon found ourselves at ease in front of a microphone or camera. These are skills that we may not need to call on in the short term, but as and when they are required the experience will be invaluable.JL

Thank you for this course. What I have learned will be invaluable and will be used throughout my career.SM

I have massively improved my confidence in communications, in all of the aspects that we were set tasks on. I now feel that I can approach TV and radio interviews with confidence. The entire day with the regional TV journalist was fantastic, he is a superb communications ambassador who gave us excellent advice and feedback for interviews. The film making was hugely enjoyable and rewarding also.BB

I have gained more confidence to deal with the potential of TV and radio. The whole course allowed me to improve my communications and made me realise my weaknesses. Involvement with the regional TV journalist was first class. There were no topics covered which will not be of benefit some time in the future. As a veteran, I was a shade sceptical about the course, but have found it an excellent benefit.SD

Top picture: Participants at the 2013 John Forrest Award communications training course.